First-Ever French-Language UN Training on Combatting Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Concludes in Entebbe
ENTEBBE, Uganda – In a significant step to bolster the United Nations’ response to one of war’s most horrific crimes, the UN Regional Service Centre in Entebbe (RSCE) hosted the inaugural French-language Regional Integrated Training Course on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) from 13 to 16 October 2025.
The specialized training, organized by the UN Department of Peace Operations’ (DPO) CRSV Team, brought together 20 key personnel serving as CRSV focal points and Women Protection Advisers (WPAs) from two major peacekeeping missions: the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
The primary objective of the intensive course was to strengthen the participants’ capacity to prevent and respond to incidents of CRSV, ensuring their efforts are firmly aligned with UN policies and best practices. This targeted training is crucial for frontline personnel who play a pivotal role in protecting civilians, supporting survivors, and advancing accountability for perpetrators.
“This course is a vital investment in our most valuable asset: our personnel on the ground. By equipping our CRSV focal points and Women Protection Advisers with enhanced skills and facilitating direct exchange between missions, we are strengthening our collective ability to protect the most vulnerable and deliver on the UN’s zero-tolerance policy for conflict-related sexual violence,” a representative from the DPO/CRSV Team stated.
The curriculum was highly interactive, moving beyond theoretical lectures to focus on practical, scenario-based exercises. Through collaborative learning and expert facilitation, participants engaged in realistic simulations of challenges they face in the field. This methodology allowed for a dynamic “mission-to-mission” exchange, where staff from MONUSCO and MINUSCA could share valuable on-the-ground experiences, lessons learned, and innovative strategies.
This pioneering French-language course marks a key milestone in ensuring that vital training and resources are accessible to all peacekeeping personnel, directly contributing to more effective protection outcomes and the global effort to end rape as a weapon of war.
TrainingForChange | #EndRapeInWar | #RSCE
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